By Business Reporter – Tuesday 8 September 2020
LOCAL – HARARE (Mining Index) – MINERS are complaining over delays in processing of mining licenses, with applications reportedly dating back to 2018.
THE Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has been dragging the feet in issuing out mining licenses, with miners citing corruption at provincial mines offices throughout the country.
Miners say those whose applications are being processed, are mostly the Chinese, who pay provincial staff at mines offices, a bribe to get their applications processed.
Some say clearing the backlog on mining licenses is a roadmap to formalisation of the mining sector.
“Clearing the backlog for mining license applications would reduce the number of illegal mining activities in the country,” said Chiedza Chipangura, a women miner in gold, chrome and glitter stones.
A visit at the Mines Bindura office last year revealed the provincial office had a two year backlog. ENDS// www.miningindex.co.zw
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